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Until recently, dental fear had been defined as irrational and exaggerated. Recent studies have shown that this was not true. While controversy does continue to exist with regards to dental fears being seen as irrational, (because of the fear if often caused by previous bad experiences), there have been recognized subtypes of dental fear or phobia. For example “fear of dentists” versus “fear of specific dental procedures”, needle phobia are considered subtypes of dental phobia. |
Today, dental fear is defined as an extreme and persistent fear involving dentists, dental procedures, a fear of needles, teeth and situations which act as reminders of a phobic situation. Not surprisingly, the dentist’s drill is often a major factor in dentist fears. Even thinking or hearing about going to the dentist causes some individuals to experience psychological distress. This in turn causes people to avoid going to a dentist until a physical problem becomes too overwhelming to handle. Learn some of the ways to manage this anxiety.
